This page is intended to inform you to the importance of an independent valuation from a qualified professional. Here we will list some of the pit falls you may encounter from undisclosed identification of treatments to over stated values. May we stress at this point that we believe there isn’t anything wrong with treated gemstones as long as the end user is aware that the treatment exists and that they are fully aware to the limitation of the treatment if any, and that the price paid truly reflects the true nature of the gemstone.

Is everyone in the jewellery trade a jewellery valuer?

The simple answer is no ! As with all professions there are many different people with varying degrees of knowledge and experience. We only recommend valuations are carried out by professionals that hold the following qualifications diploma in Gemmology, diamond grading and are current member of the NCJV (Registered Valuer) see www.ncjv.com.au

Overstated Valuations

It’s a common misconception that the values place upon a valuation is the amount of money that an insurance company will pay out in the event of a claim. Most insurance companies upon a claim will send the details out to the industry for price for replacement; most insurance claims are paid upon this figure. By having a valuation certificate that is overstated simply means that the customer will be paying higher premiums for your policy for no gain. When you multiply this increased expense over many years the sum can become quite significant.

Overseas Valuations

All values placed upon overseas valuations have no relevance here in Australia and as a result most insurance companies will not accept a simple currency conversion. Generally all items would have to be re valued for the Australian market using current taxes, duties and local pricing.

Marketing Terminology

Created gemstone – (created), synthetic, artificial, manmade, laboratory grown. Simply put these gemstones are laboratory grown using the same chemical composition as it’s natural counterpart having the same physical and optical properties.

Clarity Enhanced – fracture filled, glass filled. These gemstones have had a glass treatment applied to the stone in order to fill surface reaching fractures or cracks. This treatment can make the stone more stable; however this treatment can be affected by heat, pressure and acidic solutions.

Colour Enhanced – these stones are subjected to one of several methods to enhance the colour of the stone, in some instances this treatment is not permanent and can lose its colour over a period of time.

Coated gemstone – this is usually applied to the back of the gemstone and is usually done to improve the colour, a popular example would be a colourless Topaz which has a very thin layer of titanium applied to the pavilion (back facets) to give the stone a rainbow multi coloured effect this may be sold as “Mystic Topaz”.